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  • Background and Purpose of the CEC
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    A lifelong symbol of The Greatest Show On Earth®, the Asian elephant is a respected and revered member of the Ringling Bros. family. In the interest of the specie’s present and future well-being, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation was established in 1995. Located in central Florida, this 200-acre, state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to the conservation, breeding and understanding of these amazing animals.

    Why the CEC?
    Built on over 142 years of experience and expertise of working with elephants and exotic animals, the Center for Elephant Conservation has become a global focal point for the study of Asian elephants. The CEC hosts researchers, academicians and conservationists to create new dialogue focused around animal care, conservation and health and to exchange knowledge about the Asian elephant – both in the Western Hemisphere and in their range countries.

    Comfort & Safety
    In designing and implementing the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation, there were several important concerns. First and foremost, of course, was the comfort and well-being of the Asian elephants: There needed to be plenty of food, water, shade, places to sleep, and areas where the animals could be groomed regularly. The safety of all animals and humans working 24 hours a day at the Ringling Bros. Center was paramount.
  • Why the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation?
     
         
    With less than 35,000 Asian elephants left in the wild, and the habitat of those in the wild increasingly threatened, captive breeding programs like the one at the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation are vital to the future survival of this amazing species.

     
    jackhanna[1]  "A concerted effort to save the Asian elephant is imperative. Zoos are doing their best with the resources they have, but most can't afford to maintain a large breeding group of elephants. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation is dedicated to saving the Asian elephant and has both the resources and the commitment to succeed."
    ---Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus, Columbus Zoo

    Quote from Dr. Joel M. Howell, AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) President, “Guidelines such as those issued by the PRCA and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus can serve as effective models for other groups and individuals using animals in entertainment.” The article in JAVMA on June 1, 2003 went on to say, “…he visited the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation. He was impressed by the animal welfare guidelines and quality of veterinary care provided by both groups, as well as the importance their staff placed on animal care and well-being.” Howell added, “We must encourage the highest level of animal health and welfare for all animals, irrespective of their purpose.”

    Charles Santiapillai is a zoologist and professor from Sri Lanka and is Deputy Chair of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AESG), part of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and editor of its journal, Gajah. He works with Dr. Sukamar, among others and is an important person within Asian elephant conservation circles says this about the Center, "The level of veterinary care and management is excellent and you have some of the most dedicated people looking after these animals, with great care and commitment. I am truly amazed at the level of care given to the elephants."

    Following her tour of Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation, J. B. Hancock, Director of Communications for the American Veterinary Medical Association, commented, “I saw, firsthand, how well-cared for these animals are. Their elephant care team is obviously knowledgeable, highly competent and dedicated to the welfare of the endangered Asian elephants at the Conservation Center. I was very impressed.”
     "The elephant has always been a symbol of The Greatest Show On Earth®. The Ringling Bros. Center will ensure that people will be able to experience the joy and wonder of Asian elephants up close and personal for generations to come." ---Kenneth Feld, Chairman and CEO Feld Entertainment kennethfeld[1] 

     


     
  • A Virtual Tour of the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation

    Want to see the Center for yourself?

    Click here to take a virtual tour!

  • Comfort and Safety in the Pristine Wilderness

    The Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation was designed specifically for the care, comfort and retirement of Asian elephants.

    Click here to learn more about how the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation was designed to meet the Asian elephant’s every need.

  • The Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation – Facts and Figures

    The Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation is a 200-acre facility in Polk County, Florida, that serves as a superior environment for Asian elephant conservation, breeding, scientific study and retirement.

    To learn more click here.

 
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